UK: Diageo "disillusioned" by Gov't drinking charges
By just-drinks.com editorial team | 1 September 2008
Diageo has called for an updated strategy of co-regulation for the alcoholic drinks industry in Scotland.
The company said yesterday (31 August) that it was "disillusioned" with charges from the Scottish government that the industry takes full responsibility for tackling alcohol abuse in the country, while also proposing the introduction of a minimum retail price for alcohol.
Responding to the Government's discussion paper, "Changing Scotland's Relationship with Alcohol", Diageo has outlined a system of co-regulation for alcohol promotions that would set a "clearly defined" code of practice for industry to self-regulate, monitored and enforced by Government.
"We are disillusioned with the Scottish Government's paper and frustrated that Government is trying to place responsibility for tackling alcohol misuse on the shoulders of the drinks industry and thus failing to recognise that everyone has the responsibility - individuals, Government, civil society and industry," said Benet Slay, managing director of Diageo Great Britain.
"We believe the most effective approach to promoting the highest standards of responsible behaviour, across industry and for every consumer, is through a fair, transparent and effective system of co-regulation."
Slay added that the Scottish government had offered "no evidence" to support its view that minimum pricing will reduce alcohol related harm. "There is no evidence," he said. "Higher prices may affect consumption, but not necessarily among the groups the Government wishes to target."
Diageo is also of the opinion that "individuals are responsible and accountable for their own behaviour and those in their care," Slay said. "Policy should not provide excuses to individuals who cause harm to themselves or others and the responsible drinker should not pay the price for those who misuse alcohol."
Slay concluded that the company hoped the Scottish government would "refocus on working with the industry in a constructive partnership, so as better to design, implement and enforce co-regulation".
The consultation is scheduled to close on 9 September, with the Scottish government set to put forward a bill once it has considered all responses.
Sectors: Beer & cider, Spirits, Wine
Companies: Diageo
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For decades New York state and New Jersey had fair trade with NO measurable in crease of underage drinking. Then in 1981-83 both states did away with fair trade...only noticeable differance was increase of under the counter cash kick backs to retailers. Underage drinking and binge drinking only has gotten out of hand in past 5 years, due mainly to colleges looking the other way at frat houses parties and retailers NOT checking ages of customers.The claim that kids were getting the liquor from their folk's bar is not the responsibility of any one but the parents!!!!If the parents can't or will not keep a lock on their supply, then parents should bare the blame if binge drinking leads to deaths. And yes, colleges also must be held accountable for allowing frats to have big parties where they know that large number attending are underage. The push by 100 college presidents to lower the drinking age to 18 is an attempt to get the college presidents off the hook. Dropping the age to 18 would not only be dumb, but shows a complete lack of understanding of what underage students think is a "cool" thing to do.
Norman Weiner USA
Moderated by Norman weiner Date: 02 Sep 2008
Norman weiner said at 4:37 pm, September 2, 2008
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